These At-Home Massage Chairs Are So Good, You’ll Want to Ditch Spas Forever

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

As someone who works on their laptop all day, let me just tell you that the chronic back pain is real. When massage guns aren’t cutting it, there’s nothing I’d love more than to book myself a trip to the spa at the end of a long week. But in this economy? With the little time that I do have? Not possible! That’s when the best massage chairs on the market come into play. Yep, these bbs can mimic the relaxing treatments you get at the spa all in the comfort of your humble abode. Gotta love technology! And in case you’re like, “Okay, sounds great, but where do I even begin my search?” we’re here to make the whole shopping process that much easier for ya.

Before you dive into the handy guide we’ve created down below, it’s important to consider what exactly you want a massage chair for. Is it to quickly destress after work? Are you hoping to target deeper pain points? Or are you looking for a massager that doubles as a stylish recliner? One that’s portable? Depending on your needs, it’s all possible people! Take a peek below at some of the offerings.

Our top picks for the best massage chairs in 2024

Pretty cool, right? While a massage chair is def an investment piece, once you find the right one, the benefits you’ll reap will more than make up for it. Let’s face it, total relaxation is priceless. Read on to see our top picks for the best massage chairs that will take your self-care time to the next level. You’re welcome!

OS- Massage Chair

Does this massage chair not scream “comfy cloud” to you?! If you’re looking for a full-body type of experience, look no further. This one will hit allllll the right spots, from your shoulders to your lower back. With its 18 airbags, the compression will soothe any tightness you’ve been experiencing. We credit that to the ultra-plush faux-leather padding that is unlike other models we’ve seen online. The Osaki OS-Champ also has 5 auto-massage programs and even two heating pads on the lumbar area. Oh, and did we mention that it also comes with an extendable footrest where you can use its built-in foot-roller? Score.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

Massage Chair of Dual-core S Track

Is there anything better than a full-body massage? I think not! If you’re looking for a full-body massage chair for under $1,000, this pick from Real Relax has a bit of everything. The robot hands will address tension and knots from your neck to your waist and your legs and feet. From its six auto-massage modes to its heating capabilities and Bluetooth speakers, get ready never to want to leave this chair again.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

Recliner Chair Massage Rocker

It’s no secret that massage chairs can be $$$, but expensive doesn’t always mean better, and this is the perfect example. Heating! Reclining! Comhoma’s massage chair even has a footrest and built-in drink holders. The design isn’t too shabby either as it’s crafted out of soft leather and comes in three colorways. But the absolute best feature? You can have it all for under $300.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

Back Massager with Heat

Hey, maybe buying an actual massage chair just isn’t in the cards. We get it, it’s a big purchase. Instead, consider this portable back massager that can be used—and put away—at any time thanks to its removable chair straps. This cushion is the next best thing to buying a literal massage chair, featuring three massage modes that go from deep tissue to a rolling massage. And if you’re looking to turn up the heat, Homedics’ massager lets you apply light heat that’ll soothe tightened muscles.

• Recline: No

• Heating: Yes

WholeBody 7.1 Living Room Recliner Massage Chair

Bringing home a massage chair doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your aesthetic. We’re major fans of the fact that this one looks a bit sleeker and more refined than your average clunky find. But what’s most impressive is the 3D orbital system which allows the massage rollers to protrude from the track. “The pre-programmed 3D routines are to die for,” wrote one shopper. “Trust me, this is so far from the old ‘Magic Fingers’ type of vibrating massage it can't be compared. It can do way more than I thought possible. If you work for a living, you need one. If you have a chronic sore back, you need one.”

• Recline: No

• Heating: Yes

Massage Chair

Alexa, play “Defying Gravity” from the Wicked soundtrack. TBH, this is one of the most technologically advanced chairs we’ve ever seen. Why is that you ask? This massage chair automatically scans your body once you turn it on and tailors what it believes to be the perfect massage based on your height and size. How freaking cool is that?! Of course, you can always choose your own massage. Additionally, there are three levels of zero-gravity offered with this chair as well as a soothing foot massager and yoga stretching function. So long, body aches.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

Swivel Rocker Recliner with Massage and Heating Functions

There’s something about a swivel chair that just hits different. Perhaps it’s the fact that you’re able to adjust the angle and direction of your chair so easily or you just like the freedom it gives you (relatable). This massage chair tackles full-body pain points that go down to your lower back and legs. You can also find convenient cup holders and side pockets to make your experience more enjoyable.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

Massage Chair Recliner with Zero Gravity

At the end of a long day, it’s time to turn the Bluetooth on, close your eyes, and relax. We love the idea of having some music playing while unwinding. “I use the Bluetooth feature so I can listen to relaxing spa music during my massage,” one enthusiastic reviewer wrote. “To make the relaxing experience even better I bought a weighted blanket, a sleeping mask, and some aromatherapy pillow sprays.” We don’t know about you, but this kind of sounds like our dream scenario.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

OS-4D Escape

If you want the ultimate immersive experience, we can’t recommend the Osaki OS-4D Escape enough. With technology that maps the curvature of your back, this massage chair allows you to control the length of the rollers so you can adjust to your liking. It also has six massage modes, lumbar heat therapy, and foot rollers. Some of the coolest features however are the scent cartridges that allow you to make your massage aromatherapeutic and the chromotherapy that emits a blue light from inside the over-the-head dome to aid in pain management.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

Heated Classic Massage Chair

The unique design of this massage chair is truly the selling point of this chair. It features three levels of thermo massages and comes with a matching ottoman so you can rest your feet or use it as a side table. This Nouhaus massage chair also has six different massage modes, including ones for the upper body, lower body, recovery, vitality, sleep, and deep massage. Last but certainly not least, you can take your massage to the next level with its built-in Bluetooth speakers and USB port to charge your device as you use it.

• Recline: Yes

• Heating: Yes

What should I consider when buying a massage chair?

Comfort

As with any piece of furniture you buy, you should make sure to look for a massage chair that matches your preferences. If you want it to be on the plushier side, you should consider a pick that allows you to sink in versus something made of a harder type of material that will have the opposite effect (such as wool). Ergonomic designs can provide maximum comfort for those who deal with chronic back pain. Other things to keep in mind are options that will work based on your height and size. In this case, it’s worth looking into the location of the headrest and whether it would fall too short for you or if it can be adjusted.

Massage levels

Before you press “buy” you should figure out the specific kind of massage experience you’re looking for. Most massage chairs are either an S-track, meaning the rollers stop right above your buttocks, or an L-track, which goes down to your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. The latter naturally gives you a full-body massage instead of a targeted upper back and shoulder one.

There are a variety of massage chairs that give you different levels of compression, speed, and angles, these span from 1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D—with 4D being the most advanced. Basically, the higher the level, the more advanced the rollers are. We recommend going for a chair with 4D rollers, as you’ll get a more sophisticated massage experience with rollers that can move up and down, side to side, diagonally, and in and out. But if you’re sticking to a budget, a 3D massage chair would also be a great choice. 3D chairs are usually more affordable and can still offer you various massage modes (such as shiatsu and kneading). You just won’t have as much variation or control as you would with a 4D chair.

Special features

If you see yourself spending lots of time in your massage chair, you should look for distinct features that will take your experience to the next level. For example, many massage chairs have numerous modes of intensity for you to choose from as opposed to just one. Some have rollers that can mimic a deep tissue massage or even a shiatsu massage. Some chairs can fully recline, and some even have a zero gravity feature that’ll give you an ultra relaxing weightless feel. Other common features include a Bluetooth speaker, cup holders, or side pockets for housing magazines or books.

You Might Also Like

• Here’s What NOT to Wear to a Wedding

• Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You’ll Ever Try